Ball storage pockets and means for selectively tilting same toward adjacent alleys



March 17, 1970 BALL STORAGE POCKETS AND MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY Filed Oct. 22, 1963 TILTING v. c. BECKS ETAL 3,501,146

SAME TOWARD ADJACENT ALLEYS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 QOA-IL 94\ 84 92 L 9 2 82 INVENTORS 92R VERNON C. BECKS and as STEPH N C. PEPLIN wily M047 their ATTORNEY March 17, 1970 v, BECKS EI'AL BALL STORAGE POCKETS AND MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY TILTING SAME TOWARD ADJACENT ALLEYS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed 001:. 22, 1963 "lair ATTORNEY March 17, 1970 v, c, BECKs ETAL 3,501,146

BALL STORAGE POGKETS AND MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY TILTING SAME TOWARD ADJACENT ALLEYS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed' Oct. 22, 1965 hmN wk.

mwnm 2 30 m 0W Y m m OKE m R 0 BC T mmmwm N m mm M m RE T W Q/ Y B March 17, 1970 v. c. BECKS L 3,501,146

BALL STORAGE POCKETS AND MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY TILTING SAME TOWARD ADJACENT ALLEYS Filed Oct. 22, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 308R W 302 I 300 $1 A rL s ee I L k 322 306R 2 G F lg. I l. 3l0 w O L A\ 7 f .QGMR v x v 96A G9 48 e i 98R 98L als K go 0 TIME mvzm'rons F lg. 50. VERNON C. BECKSond STEPHEN C.PEPLIN fheirA'ITOMEI United States Patent 3,501,146 BALL STORAGE POCKETS AND MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY TILTIN G SAME TOWARD AD- JACENT ALLEYS Vernon C. Becks, Westlake, and Stephen C. Peplin, North Olmsted, Ohio, assignors, by mesne assignments, to Brunswick Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware Filed Oct. 22, 1963, Ser. No. 317,958 Int. Cl. A63d 5/02 U.S. Cl. 27349 21 Claims This invention relates to apparatus for returning balls in a bowling game to selected positions for each player in the game at the approach area of a bowling alley, and more particularly to apparatus for returning the balls to said selected positions and for directing each player to the next to be played alley.

Although not limited thereto, the present invention is particularly adapted for use with automatic scoring and totalizing equipment for a bowling game such as that shown in copending application Ser. No. 175,865, filed Feb. 9, 1962, and now Patent No. 3,124,355. The scoring system described in the aforesaid application comprises means for detecting and registering pinfall after each ball in a bowling game is delivered, a master circuit connected to the detecting and registering means for totalizing the pinfall of each frame in a bowling game, a plurality of player score totalizing and storage units each adapted to receive, totalize and store electrical intelligence from the master circuit representing total frame pinfall, manually operable switch means for selectively connecting the master circuit to a selected one of the player totalizing and storage units, ball results printing means connected to the master circuit, and score printing means adapted to be connected to any one of the player totalizing and storage units when that unit is also connected to the master circuit by the switch means. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus shown in application Ser. No. 175,865, is positioned within a console adjacent to the approach area of the alley, and the manually operable switch means comprises a seriesof pushbuttons, one for each player, located at the top of the console. The system is such that when a bowler prepares to bowl each frame he will depress his designated pushbutton, thereby connecting the aforesaid master circuit to his particular player score totalizing and storage unit. The totalizing and storage unit contains information relative to his accumulated score, the frame in which the bowler should be bowling, and also that particular players marks (i.e., strikes and spares) which have been made but not yet scored.

Automatic scoring systems for a bowling game have been proposed which eliminate the necessity for each bowler depressing a pushbutton when he prepares to bowl. In such systems, however, each bowler in a group of bowlers, and each bowler in a team in the case of league play, must bowl in succession. That is, each bowler in the group has to bowl the third frame, for example, in succession according to a predetermined schedule. In the case of league play, if all of the players of one team complete their first frame, for example, before all of the players of the second team complete their first frame on a second alley, they have to wait before changing alleys. In other words, systems of this type do not provide for non-sequential bowling, means that all bowlers on a team must be present before a game can be started; and if any bowler should have to leave the alley during the game, it cannot be completed until he returns without the assistance of a skilled, or at least semi-skilled mechanic familiar with the circuitry of the scoring system.

Although the scoring system described in the aforesaid application Ser. No. 175,865, which provides pushbuttons on the console to facilitate non-sequential bowling is entirely satisfactory for its intended purpose, it requires that each bowler depress his associated button as he prepares to bowl each frame in a game. This, of course, is not. an undesirable or burdensome requirement; however it may, in some cases, be such as to discourage bowlers from using the equipment, and there is always the possibility of a bowler forgetting to depress his pushbutton or' depressing the wrong pushbutton.

In copending application Ser. No. 295,433, filed July 16, 1963, there is disclosed and claimed apparatus which eliminates the above and other disadvantages. More specifically, the apparatus disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 295,433 provides anautomatic scoring system for a bowling game wherein each bowlers ball is provided with a specified storage pocket equipped with a switch device which will be actuated to connect the aforesaid master circuit to that bowlers totalizing and storage unit in the scoring circuitry when the ball is removed from that pocket and delivered onthe alley. Thus, when a bowler prepares to bowl and lifts his ball out of its associated storage pocket, his totalizing and storage unit will be automatically connected to the master circuit of the scoring unit when the ball is delivered without requiring him to depress a pushbutton or the like.

The apparatus of copending application Ser. No. 295,433 also provides means for directing a ball from the bowling alley return track to a specified storage pocket, the arrangement being such that when a bowler removes his ball from its associated storage pocket at the start of a frame, his ball will be returned to an assigned storage pocket at the completion of the frame. When the second ball is to be delivered in a frame the ball will not be directed from the main storage rack into its associated storage pocket at the end of the return track but rather will remain in the main return track. Thus, when a second ball is to be delivered in a frame, the bowler will merely lift it from the main storage rack rather than his assigned storage pocket. Means also is provided for sensing the completion of a frame in a bowling game. Such means may be incorporated into the aforesaid computer or it may comprise a device in the pinspotter itself which senses whether the pin-spotter is in a first ball cycle or a second ball cycle. Means also is provided for preventing the confusion which occasionally occurs with a resultant delay in the game due to bowlers having difliculty in finding their particular bowling ball each time they bowl. This condition occurs when the balls on the conventional rack are out of their normal sequence due to one or more of the bowlers leaving the game temporarily, and more generally when one player achieves'a strike and another player achieves a spare.

This invention provides an improvement over the apparatus disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 295,433. The present invention also provides apparatus wherein the bowling balls each are returned to a specified supporting means. However, in the present apparatus, the supporting means is mounted for tilting movement toward either of the adjacent bowling alleys. Means is provided for directing the supporting means to the next to be bowled alley at the completion of a frame in a bowling game. As will be seen, the feature of the invention which provides a specific location for each ball coupled with the feature of the invention which provides for placing the bowling ball ina position adjacent to the next to be bowled alley eliminate the above-described difiiculty and effects a savings in time beneficial to both the bowlers and bowling alley proprietor.

The present invention also provides an improved means for lowering the ball from its position on the return track to a position on the ball support which is directly below the return track. In this improved means, each ball is lowered centrally through the return track itself and along a substantially vertical path onto the ball support directly below. Thereafter, that ball support is tilted toward the next to be bowled alley. Since each bowler knows that his ball is stored on a specific ball support, he need only look to that ball support to ascertain what alley he is to bowl next.

Each of the ball supports of the present invention is provided with a switch device which will be actuated to connect the aforesaid master circuit to that bowlers totalizing and storage unit in the scoring circuitry when the ball is removed from that ball support and delivered on the alley. Thus, 'when a bowler prepares to bowl and lifts his ball out of its associated ball support, his totalizing and storage unit will be automatically connected to the master circuit of the scoring unit when the ball is delivered without requiring him to depress a pushbutton Or the like.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic scoring system for a bowling game which eliminates the need for a bowler depressing a pushbutton to activate his totalizing and storage unit in the scoring circuitry.

Other important objects of the present invention include:

To provide a bowling ball storage rack having means for directing bowling balls from the ball return track means to a specified position on said bowling ball storage rack;

To provide a bowling ball storage rack having means for lowering a bowling ball from a first position on the storage rack to a second position directly below the first position, the lowering of said ball being along a substantially vertical path;

To provide a bowling ball storage rack for use in nonleague play having means for supporting and storing the bowling balls during a bowling game, which means is tiltable toward the same alley throughout a bowling game whereby the bowling ball carried thereby is positioned adjacent to said same alley;

To provide a bowling ball storage rack for use in league play having means for supporting and storing the bowling balls during a bowling game, which means is tiltable alternately toward one alley of a pair of adjacent alleys at the completion of a frame in a game and then toward the other alley of said pair of adjacent alleys at the completion of the next frame in said bowling game; and

To provide a bowling ball storage rack which is narr rower thereby providing less interference to bowlers who desire to bowl along those edges of the bowling alley adjacent to the storage rack.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a pair of adjacent bowling alleys showing the overall arrangement of the present invention for returning bowling balls to designated storage pockets at the completion of each frame in a game;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side view illustrating the bowling ball storage arrangement of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIIII of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a trap-door means of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side view further illustrating the trap-door means of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line VIVI of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIVII of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 3, illustrating an alternative embodiment of a ball positioning means;

FIGS. 9A and 9B, when placed top-to-bottom, comprise a detailed block schematic circuit diagram of the apparatus for controlling the ball return mechanism when used in combination with automatic scoring equipment for a bowling game;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of wave forms showing certain aspects of the operation of the circuit of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating means for controlling the ball positioning means of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating means for controlling the ball positioning means of FIG. 8.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of adjacent bowling alleys L and R are each provided with a pin deck 16 at the forward end of the alley and a foul line 18 at the opposite end. Ahead of the foul line 18 of each alley is an approach area 20; while behind the pin deck 16 is a pit, generally indicated at 22. At the back of each pit 22 is a backstop 24 which is struck by each bowling ball delivered down the alley.

On either side of each alley L and R are gutters 26, and between the alleys L and R is a main ball return track 28 which terminates between the approach areas 20 in a ball return rack arrangement, generally indicated at 30. As shown, the main hall return track 2 8 is connected to two branches 32. and 34 adjacent the pit areas 22. In the usual case, automatic pin-spotting machines will be employed to set the pins on the pin decks 16. In accordance with usual practice, these automatic pin-spotting machines are such as to deposit balls in the branches 32 and 34 from whence they are both fed to the common ball return track 28 and thence to the ball return rack arrangement 30.

In the area between the approach areas 20 and behind the ball rack arrangement 30 is a console 36 which houses automatic scoring, totalizing and printing apparatus such as that shown in copending application Ser. No. 175,865, filed Feb. 9, 1962 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Actually, the console 36 houses two automatic scoring, totalizing and printing units, one for each of the alleys L and R. The automatic scoring equipment within the console 36, hereinafter described in greater detail, is such that as each bowler delivers balls in a frame, the ball results of each ball will be printed on a score sheet and the frame score added to his previous total score at the completion of the frame in the circuitry within the console 36. In addition, upon completion of a frame, his instantaneous score will be printed in his frame box or space corresponding to the frame being played if no marks have been made in that frame. If marks have been made in the frame being played, then the score is not printed on the score sheet at that time but stored preparatory to printing after the next or successive frame in accordance with the rules of the American Bowling Congress.

In the usual case, a projector (not shown) will be provided in combination with the console 36 for the purpose of projecting the images of the score sheets onto screens (not shown) above the alleys L and R. One type of projector which may be used for this purpose is shown, for example, in copending application Ser. No. 200,555, filed June 6, 1962, now Patent no. 3,257,898 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

As can be seen, the ball return rack 30 comprises a plurality of ball lowering or trap-door means 38, best seen in FIG. 1, one each for each ball used in a bowling game; and a plurality of ball supporting means 40, best seen in FIG. 2, one each for each of said trap-door means and disposed directly therebelow. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, there are provided ten of the trap-door means 38 and ten of the ball supporting means 40. When two teams, for example, teams A and B are to bowl on the alleys R and L, the first five of the trap-door means 38 and ball supporting means 40 may be used to store the balls of team A and the last five of the trap-door means 38 and the ball supporting means 40 may be used in storing the balls for team B. Alternatively, the present apparatus may be so designed whereby the balls of team A are intermixed with those of team B and stored on the ball supporting means 40 in the following order, A-l, B1, A-Z, B-Z, A-3, B3, etc. That is to say, the bowling balls of the first players from teams A and B would be stored on the first and second ball supporting means 40, respectively; the bowling balls of the second players from teeams A and B would be stored on the third and fourth ball supporting means 40, respectively; and so forth.

It should be noted in FIGS. 1 and 2, that two of the bowling balls 44 are shown resting, one on top of the rack 30 and one on top of a storage space 42. These balls will be bowled as second balls, in the frame being played, by the third players of teams A and B. Hence, since the forwardmost trap-door means 38 serves as a storage space for one of the second balls in a particular frame, the length of rack 30 is reduced.

As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, the ball supporting means 40* are adapted to support the bowling ball 44 of the players awaiting their turn to bowl. As specifically illustrated the balls for the third players of teams A and B are residing in the storage space 42. The remaining balls 44, for example, of team A are stored in the ball supporting means 40 and are positioned adjacent to the alley R, while the remaining balls 44 of team B are stored in the ball supporting means 40 and are positioned adjacent to the alley L. As will hereinafter be seen, the arrangement is such that each of the balls 44 for one team, for example team A, will always be returned to that ball supporting means from which it was removed and positioned adjacent to the alley R. Similarly, each of the balls 44 for team B will always be returned to that ball supporting means from which it was removed and positioned adjacent to the alley L. In this instance each team bowls on a specified one of the alleys R or L. Alternatively, the arrangement may be such that the balls for one team in league play are disposed alternately adjacent to the alley L and the alley R. Furthermore, means, hereinafter described in detail, are provided for returning each players ball to the particular ball supporting means 40 from which it was removed at the completion of a frame. If a ball is removed from a ball supporting means 40, delivered down on alley L, for example, and ten pins are not knocked down with that first ball, then a second ball must be delivered to that frame in accordance with the rules of the American Bowling Congress. Accordingly, the system is such that when a second ball is to be delivered, the ball is returned to the storage area 42 rather than to the proper ball supporting means 40. When, however, the frame is completed, the ball is returned to its assigned ball supporting means 40 whereupon the ball supporting means 40 is tilted toward the alley R. The ball may now be picked up by the bowler in his next turn to bowl.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, there is provided a pair of spaced-apart rods 46 which support the trap-door or platform means 38. The rods 46 are supported at spaced points by means of partitions 48, adjacent one of the partitions 48 defining openings 50 in the ball return rack 30 from which the bowling balls 44 will project. Disposed between each adjacent pair of the partitions 48 is one of the trap-door means 38. Each of the trap-door means 38 comprises a pair of door members 52 each of which is hingedto one of the rods 46 as at 54. Each of the door members 52 includes a stop member 56 which is adapted to engage a transition piece 58, disposed above each of the partitions 48, to limit the upward movement of the door members to that position shown in FIG. 3. Each of the door members 52 also is provided with a spring member 60 which biases the door members 52 in the upward position.

In order to maintain the door members 52 of each trap-door means 38 in a ball supporting condition, each of the door means 52 is provided with a solenoid desig nated by the numerals 106B-3A and 106B-3B in FIG. 3. In the numeral 106B-3A, for example, the B designates team B, the numeral 3 designates the third trap-door means 38 for tearn B, while A indicates the first of the two solenoids associated with the particular one of the trap-door means 38. Hence, the solenoid (in FIG. 3) designated by 106B-3B designates that solenoid associated with the other one of the door members 52 in the third trap-door means 38 of team B. Similarly, in FIG. 2 the solenoids 106A-1A and 106A-1B designate those solenoids associated 'with the first trap-door means 38 of team A while the solenoids designated by 106-2A and 106A-2B designate those solenoids associated with the second trap-door means 38 of team A. This method of designating the solenoids 106 will be maintained throughout the remainder of the specification.

As can be seen, each of the solenoids 106 includes a plunger 62 which extends beneath the door member 52 and supports it in the position shown. Hence, for example, upon activation of the solenoids 106B-3A and 106B-3B (FIG. 3), the plungers 62 will be retracted so that the door members 52 are free to pivot downwardly into the dotted line position 52' when a bowling ball 44 engages those door members 52. As can be seen, then, the bowling ball 44 will be lowered centrally of the ball return rack 30 and along a substantially vertical path. Means, hereinafter to be described, is provided for actuating selected ones of the solenoids 106 whereby a specific one of the trap-door means 38 is activiated to lower that bowling ball into the ball supporting means 40 disposed therebelow. Hence, at the completion of a frame in a game the ball is returned along the ball return track 28 (FIG. 1) to the ball return rack 30 and is lowered by means of a predetermined one of the trap-door means 38 onto the associated ball supporting means 40 for storage at a predetermined position along the ball return rack 30. If desired, a positive ball stop may be provided at the forward end of each .of the trap-door means. These positive ball stops, for example, may comprise a projectable member which is caused to be projected into the path of the oncoming ball by means of the pair of solenoids 106 which release the proper orie of the trap-door means 38. It should be understood, however, that the ball stops only serve to provide a positive means for stopping a ball which is traveling at an abnormally high velocity.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, each of the ball supporting means 40 comprises a cup 64 shown in full lines in its normally raised position, a shaft 66 extending from the cup 64 into a cylinder 68 and terminating in a piston 70 engaged with the inner walls of the cylinder 68. A tension spring member 72 serves to bias the cup 64 in the raised position illustrated. Disposed at the bottom of the cylinder 68 is a rubber cushion 74 adapted to cushion the cup 64 when it is lowered. The cylinder 68 preferably is of the hydraulic shock-absorber type and contains a hydraulic fluid which, as can be seen in FIG. 7, flows from the space below the piston 70 to the space above the piston 70 by way of a bleed conduit 75 when the cup 64 is lowered from the full line showing in FIG. 3 to the dotted line showing at 64'. The lowering of the cup 64 from the full line position to the dotted line position at 64' occurs when the bowling ball 44 is lowered from the rack 30 onto the cup 64. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the bleed conduct 75 communicates with a hydraulic check means 78 which serves to direct the hydraulic fluid only through the bleed conduit 75' when the piston 70 is being lowered and which serves to permit the rapid return of the hydraulic fluid from the space above the piston 70 to the space below the piston 70 in a manner well known in the art.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 3 and 6, the ball supporting means 40 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 80 for tilting movement toward either of the alleys L or R, i.e., in a direction transverse to the length of the ball return rack 30. An extension member 82 projects below the cylinder 68 and is adapted to engage stop members 84 projecting from a support block 86 into the path of the extension member 82. Hence, as the ball supporting means 40 tilts to the left, its travel will be limited by one of the stop members 84. Similarly, when the ball supporting means 40 tilts to the right, its travel will be limited by the other one of the stop members 84.

It should be noted at this point, that the ball supporting means 40, when empty, is disposed in the vertical orientation illustrated in FIG. 3. In order to maintain the ball supporting means 40 in this vertical position, a pair of opposed leaf spring members 88 are secured to the support block 86 and extend into engagement with the sides of the extension member 82. The leaf spring members 88 are of such strength whereby when a bowling ball 44 is lifted from the cup 64 they will pivot the ball supporting means 40 into the vertical position illustrated in FIG. 3.

As hereinbefore stated, means is provided for alternately tilting each of the ball supporting means 40 toward the bowling alleys L and R. This means preferably comprises a pair of opposed solenoids which, in FIG. 6, are designated as 90A-1L and 90A-1R. As in the case of the solenoids 106 hereinbefore described, the designation 90A-1L indicates that solenoid associated with the first ball supporting means 40 for team A which will direct that ball supporting means 40 toward the alley L. Similarly, the designation 90A-1R indicates that solenoid associated with the first ball supporting means 40 for team A which will direct the ball supporting means 40 toward the alley R. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the solenoids 90A-1L and 90A-1R include plungers 92L and 92R, respectively, extending through an aperture 94 in the support block 86. The solenoids 90 are of the type wherein the plungers 92 are spring-loaded in the retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 6.

In operation, let us assume that a ball 44 is lifted from the cup 64 which is positioned adjacent to the alley R, that is to that position shown in dotted lines to the right of FIG. 3. When the ball 44 is lifted, the leaf spring members 88 will move the ball supporting means 40 toward its vertical position and slightly beyond this vertical position. At this instance, the solenoid 90A-1L will be activated whereby its plunger 92L is projected into the path of the extension member 82. Hence, when the ball supporting means 40 returns toward its vertical position, the extension member 82 will engages the plunger 92L to stop the ball supporting means 40 in the vertical position. At the completion of that frame, the ball 44 will be returned to the cup 64 whereupon the cup 64 will be lowered by the weight of the ball. Simultaneously, however, the ball supporting means 40 will tilt toward the alley L, this being the only possible direction of movement because the plunger 92L will not permit the ball supporting means 40 to move toward the alley R. Of course, when the ball 44 is lifted from the cup 64 disposed adjacent the alley L, the above-described process is repeated with the exception that the solenoid 90A-1R is activated to provide tilting of the ball supporting means 40 toward the alley R. It should be noted that when, for example, the ball is positioned adjacent to the alley R, it is quite difficult if not impossible to remove the ball from-alley L. Conversely, when the ball is positioned adjacent to the alley L, it also is very difficult if not impossible to remove it from the alley R. Hence, it is quite impossible for a bowler to bowl on the wrong alley.

As hereinabove described, a switch device, designated by 120A-1 in FIG. 6, is provided which will be actuated to connect the aforesaid master circuit to that bowlers totalizing and storage unit in the scoring circuitry when the ball is removed from the cup 64 and delivered on the alley. The switch device 120A1 is positioned adjacent the top of the cylinder 68 whereby when the cup 64 is lowered, it 'will engage and activate the switch device 120A1. It should be noted once again, that the notation 120A1 for the switch device designates that switch device associated with the first ball supporting means 40 for team A.

Each of the ball supporting means 40 preferably is provided with a lock-down mechanism for holding the cup 64, when desired, in the lowered position illustrated at 64' in FIG. 6. This mechanism, for example, may comprise a hook 78 secured to cylinder 68 for pivotal movement to the position illustrated in dotted lines at 78 to its full line position at 78 wherein it engages an eye 79 provided on the cup 64. It should be evident, then, that selected ones of the switch devices 120A1 to 120B-5 may be held inoperative by simply holding the cup 64 in engagement with the switch device by means of the hook 78 and eye 79. With this arrangement, it is possible, for example, for two players to use the same ball. This may be accomplished by releasing a first of the ball supporting means while locking-down a second ball supporting means. At the completion of the frame, the process is reversed, that is, the first of the ball supporting means is locked down while the second of the ball supporting means is released.

Reference is now directed to FIG. 8 wherein an alternative means is illustrated for positioning each of the ball supporting means 40 adjacent to the alleys L or R. In this embodiment, solenoids 96A-1L and 96A-1R are disposed on opposite sides of the extension member 82. The solenoids include plungers 98L and 98R, respectively, each of which is pivotally secured to the extension member 82 as shown at 100. As will hereinafter be described in detail, the solenoids 96A-1L and 96A-1R, each will be alternately provided with a pulse current to activate the respective solenoid for retracting the associated plunger whereby the ball supporting means 40 associated therewith will be provided with an initial force for directing it toward the proper one of the alleys L or R. The solenoids 96A-1L and 96A-1R preferably have their plungers 98L and 98R spring-loaded in a direction toward the extension member 82. Thus, the spring loading of the plungers 98L and 98R aid the leaf spring members 88 in returning the ball supporting means 40 to its vertical position for the reception of a ball from the rack 30. Furthermore, after a ball has been deposited on the cup 64 the combined strength of the leaf spring members 88 and the spring loading of the plungers 98L and 98R is sufiicient to maintain the ball supporting means 40 in its vertical position until the cup 64 engages, for example, the switch 120A-1. At this time, one of the solenoids 96A-1L or 96A-1R, for example, will receive a pulse current whereby the associated plunger 98 is retracted to start the tilt of the ball supporting means 40 toward one of the alleys L or R. It should be noted, the combined strength of the leaf spring members 88 and the spring loading of the plungers 98L and 98R is overcome by the weight of the bowling ball when it is tilted away from its vertical position.

If desired, the solenoids 96A-1R and 96A-1L of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, could be used to tilt the ball supporting means 40 directly from an initial position adjacent to the alley L, for example, to a position adjacent to the alley R. This would be accomplished without stopping the ball supporting means 40 at the aforementioned vertical position illustrated in full lines in FIG. 3. Thus, the leaf spring members 88 would not be required. The appropriate one of the solenoids 96A-1R or 96A-1L preferably would be activated upon actuation of the limit switch 120. Hence, at the completion of the frame, the bowling ball would be lowered by means of the appropriate one of the trap-door means 38 onto the cup 64 which automatically positions the ball adjacent to the proper alley.

As hereinbefore stated, each of the ball supporting means 40 (see FIG. 6) is provided with a limit switch 120. As will hereinafter be explained, the limit switch 120 is of the type having a normally closed upper contact (FIGS. 9A, B) and a normally closed lower contact which will be reversed when the cup 64 moves downwardly into engagement therewith as shown in dotted outline in FIG. 6 with a ball in the cup 64. Thus, under normal circumstances, the limit switches 120 (upper contact) for each of the ball supporting means 40 will be open due to the fact that balls are deposited in the cups 64. When, however, a ball is removed from its associated cup 64, the limit switch 120 associated with that cup 64 will he closed. The limit switches 120 are employed in circuitry, hereinafter described, in combination with other limit switches for the alleys L and R as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 1, switches 122 and 124 are provided adjacent the backstops 24 for alleys L and R, respectively, and are actuated whenever a ball delivered on the alley L or R strikes its associated backstop. A second pair of switches 126 and 128 are provided on the short branches 32 and 34 leading to the main ball return track 28 and are actuated whenever a ball is deposited in the branch 32 or 34, respectively. Finally, a switch 130 is provided at the forward end of the return track 28 and is actuated whenever a ball enters the storage rack area As was mentioned above, one of the objects of the invention is to return a ball to its associated ball supporting means 40 at the completion of a frame in a game. Circuitry in its simplest form for accomplishing this function is shown in FIG. 9A. It is controlled by the switches 126, 128 and 130 as well as the automatic pin-spotters for the alleys L and R identified at P-L and P-R. As is known, automatic bowling alley pin-spotters such as P-L and P-R operate in accordance with either a first ball or a second ball cycle. In the first ball cycle, the pin-spotter frame is initially lowered and is provided with gripper arms or the like which grip the pins remaining after the first ball delivery, whereupon the pin-spotter frame is elevated to raise the standing pins to permit the sweep arm of the assembly to remove the deadwood from the alley (i.e., push the fallen pins back into the bowling alley pit 22 where they are picked up by the pin-spotter preparatory to a succeeding pin-spotting operation). Thereafter, the pin-spotter frame is lowered and the gripper arms or the like released to reset the pins left standing after the first ball. If a strike is made with the first ball of a frame, this condition is sensed by failure of the gripper arms to grasp any pins, whereupon the second ball cycle for that frame is eliminated and the pin-spotter resets all ten pins preparatory to the succeeding frame.

The first ball cycle outline above is usually initiated by the switch 122 or 124 which closes when the first ball of the bowling game frame strikes the alley backstop 24. Likewise, the second ball cycle is initiated by closure of this same switch 122 or 124 when the second ball of a frame strikes the backstop, assuming that a strike has not been made with the first ball. In the second ball cycle, the pin-spotter frame is not lowered to pick up any standing pins as in the first ball cycle. Rather, the sweep arm removes all pins, including those standing as well as those fallen. Finally, the pin-spotter frame, loaded with tenpins, is lowered to set all pins preparatory to the succeeding frame.

In the first ball cycle, the pin-spotter control circuitry is conditioned for a second ball cycle, assuming that a strike has not been made. Similarly, after the second ball cycle is completed, the control circuit is conditioned for the first ball cycle of the next frame. Thus, the first and second ball cycles of the pin-spotter follow in succession in accordance with a predetermined sequence. Furthermore, when the pin-spotter goes into a second ball cycle, a cam switch, schematically indicated at 132 and 134 in FIG. 9A closes, the details of this cam switch being shown in copending application Ser. No. 223,479, filed Sept. 13, 1962, now Patent No. 3,189,349, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

In the particular system shown herein, provision is made for five bowlers on each team; however this can be increased or decreased, depending upon requirements. The switches for the ball supporting means 40 of team A, for example, are identified by the numerals 120A-1, 120A-2, and so on in FIG. 9A. Similarly, the switches 120 for the ball supporting means 40 of team B are identified by the numerals 120B1, 120B-2, and so on in FIG. 9A. Each limit switch is shown in its closed position (i.e., with the balls removed from the cups 64). However, when all the balls are in the storage pockets, the limit switches 120 will, of course, be open. The cooperating pair of solenoids 106 for each of the trap-door means 38 and for team A are identified in FIG. 9A as 106A-1A, 106A-1B; 106A-2A, 106A-2B; and so on. Similarly, the pairs of cooperating solenoids 106 for each of the trap-door means 38 for team B are identified in FIG. 9A as 106B-1A, 106B-1B; 106B-2A, 106B2B; and so on. It will be readily appreciated from the circuit of FIG. 9A that none of the solenoids 106A-1A and 106A1B to 106A-5A and 106A-5B can be energized to release the associated trap-door means 38, for example, until its associated limit switch 120A-1 to 120A-5 is closed, meaning that a ball is removed from the cup associated with that limit switch and solenoids.

Circuitry for returning a ball to its correct ball supporting means during league play when bowlers switch alleys and also for actuating automatic scoring equipment when a ball is removed from its associated ball supporting means is shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10. In this case it wil be noted that the output of AND circuit 174L, for example, is applied to the inputs of two AND circuits 238L and 240R. Simliarly, the output of AND circuit 174R is applied to the inputs of two AND circuits 238R and 240L. Furthermore, the lead 176 at the input to AND circuit 174L may be connected through switch 198 to the pin-spotter P R or may be connected to a left master circuit 200L which produces an output signal on lead 202 when the second ball in a frame is to be delivered. Similarly, lead 182 may be connected through the switch 199 to the pin-spotter PR or through lead 204 to the right master circuit 200R.

The master circuits 200L and 200R are each part of automatic detecting, registering and scoring equipment of the type shown, for example, in copending application Ser. No. 175,865, filed Feb. 9, 1962. Simplified block schematic circuit diagrams of the scoring equipment for each alley are shown in FIG. 9A. That for the right alley includes a right standing pin detector 206R adapted to produce a number of pulses equal to the number of standing pins. These pulses are fed to the master circuit 200R which converts the standing pin count to fallen pin count and is also adapted to produce a signal on the lead 204, indicative of the fact that a second ball is to be delivered in a frame. The master circuit 200R is connected to a right storage and print circuit 211R (enclosed by broken lines) which includes a plurality of player relays 212R, 214R, and 216R. Although only three player relays are shown herein, it will be appreciated that the number may be extended, depending upon the number of bowlers who are to bowl on a team. Each player relay 212R- 216R is, in turn, connected to a player storage unit 218R, 220R and 222R, respectively. Only one of the player relays 212R216R will be actuated at any one time by removal of a ball from its associated ball supporting means and consequent actuation of one of the switches 120A-1 to 120A-5 (FIG. 9B). When player relay 212R, for example, is energized by closure of switch 120A-1, it is adapted to connect the master circuit 200R through switch 224R to player storage unit 218R. Stored in the player storage unit 218 R are the total accumulated score of the player assigned to that storage unit, the frame in which he should be bowling, and also achieved but unscored marks made by that player. The player storage unit 218R is also adapted to be connected through the player relay 212R to a right printer 226R. The elements 212R226R comprise the right storage and print unit 211R, enclosed by broken lines.

The right player relays 212R to 216R for players 1, 2 and 5 are connected through a cable 213R to the switches 120A-1, 120A2 and 120A-5 (FIG. 9B) associated with the first five ball supporting means 40 used by team A (FIG. 1). The arrangement is such that when a bowler from team A lifts his ball out of its storage pocket and his switch 120A-1, 120A-2, etc. is closed, his player relay 212R-216R will also be adapted to automatically connect his proper storage unit 218R to 222R to the printer 226R and to the proper master circuit 200R or 200L, depending upon which alley is being used. However, as will be seen, the switch 224R or 228L will not be closed to connect the storage and print unit 211R to the proper master circuit until the ball for the last bowler to bowl is on its ball supporting means, thereby insuring that only one player will be connected to the scoring circuitry at any one time.

Similarly, the switches 120B1 to 120B-5 for team B are connected through cable 213L to the player relays, not shown, in the left storage and print unit 211L. It can thus be seen that whenever a player picks up his ball, his storage unit, and only his unit, will be automatically connected to the scoring circuitry, assuming that the previous players ball has been returned to its ball supporting means. This, of course, obviates the necessity for each bowler depressing a particular pushbutton when he prepares to bowl a game.

The scoring circuitry for the left alley L is identical to that for the right alley, the elements in the left scoring circuitry being identified by the same numerals as those for the right alley with the exception that the R in each numeral is replaced by an L. When a bowler from team B is bowling on alley L, the switch 224L must be closed to connect the left master circuit 200L to its associated player relays in unit 211 L. Similarly, when a "bowler from team A is bowling in alley R, the switch 224 R must be closed. When, however, a bowler from team B bowls on alley R as in league play, the switch 224L must be open and switch 228R closed so that the pinfall count from the right detector 206R is fed to that players storage unit in the left storage and print unit 211L. Similarly, when a bowler from team A is bowling on alley L as in league play, the switch 224R must be open and switch 228L closed so that the left pinfall detector 206L is connected to that players storage circuit in the right storage and print unit 211R.

As shown, the switches 224L and 228R are controlled by a left computer-selector circuit 232L. In a somewhat similar manner, the switches 224R and 228L are controlled by a right computer-selector 232R shown in detail in FIG. 9B.

Considering, first, the right computer-selector 232R, it is adapted to produce an output signal on either lead 234R or 236R. When a signal is produced on lead 234R, it means that the right master circuit 200R should be connected through switch 224R to the right storage and print unit 211R. Under these circumstances, a bowler from team A is bowling on alley R. On the other hand, when a signal appears on the lead 236R it means that switch 228L is closed and the left master circuit 200L is connected to the right storage and print unit 211R. Under these circumstances, a bowler from team A is bowling on the left alley L.

In a similar manner, the left computer-selector circuit 232L has two output leads 234L and 236L. When lead 234L is energized, the switch 224L is closed, meaning that a bowler from team B is bowling on alley L. When, however, lead 236L is energized, the switch 228R is closed, meaning that a bowler from team B is bowling on the right alley R. The leads 234R and 236R are also connected to the inputs of AND circuits 238R and 240R, respectively. Similarly, the leads 234L and 236L are connected to the inputs of AND circuits 238L and 240L, respectively. The outputs of AND circuits 238L and 240L are connected through leads 242L and 244L, respectively, to the left computer-selector 232L. In a similar manner, the outputs of AND circuits 238R and 240R are connected through leads 242R and 244R to the right computer-selector 232R shown in FIG. 9B. Also connected to the inputs of AND circuits 240R and 238L is the output of AND circuit 174L on lead 186. Similarly, the output of AND circuit 174R on lead 188 is connected to the inputs of AND circuits 238R and 240L.

It will be remembered that an ON signal will appear on lead 186 only when a ball from the left alley L has passed over switch 130; whereas an output ON signal will appear on lead 188 only when a ball from the right alley R has passed over the switch 130. Since, in the case of league play, bowlers from team B will be bowling alternately on alley R and alley L, some means must be provided for determining from which ball supporting means the ball originated. The AND circuits 238L, 240L and 238R, 240R are used for this purpose.

Let us assume that a ball delivered down alley L belongs to a bowler from team B. Under these circumstances, the lead 234L will have an ON signal thereon in a manner hereinafter described, and the lead 186 will also have an ON signal thereon such that the AND circuit 238L produces an ON signal which is applied through lead 242L back to the left computer-selector 232L. If, on the other hand, a bowler from team B is bowling on the right alley R, an ON signal will be produced on leads 236L and 188, thereby producing an output ON signal from AND circuit 240L on lead 244L. It can thus be seen that in the case of players from team B, for example, an ON signal will appear on lead 242L when a ball is delivered on alley L and on lead 244L when a ball is delivered on alley R. A similar situation exists for the right alley R. That is, when a bowler from team A is bowling on alley R, an ON signal will be produced on lead 242R; whereas when the reverse is true an ON signal will be produced on lead 244R.

The manner in which signals are produced on leads 234R and 236R will now be explained. The computerselector circuit 232R (FIG. 9B) includes a separate circuit associated with each of the player switches A-1 to 120A-5. Since each of the player circuits is identical in construction, only that associated with player switch 120A-1 will be described in detail. It included four AND circuits 241, 243, 245 and 247. Each of the player circuits also includes a lane flip-flop 248, which determines the lane in which a bowler should be bowling, and an active flip-flop 250 which produces an output ON signal when the bowler associated with that circuit is bowling.

Considering, first, the lane flip-flop 248, its input is connected through AND circuit 249, lead 251 and pulse generator 253 to the switch 120A-1, the arrangement being such that whenever a ball is deposited in the ball supporting means associated with switch 120A-1, a pulse will appear on the lead 251 to switch the stable states of flip-flop 248. As will be seen, this occurs upon successive removals of the ball from its ball supporting means, thereby switching back and forth between alleys. The AND circuit 249, however, will produce an output ON signal to switch the stable states of flip-flop 248 only when an ON signal is present on lead 260. As will hereinafter be seen, an ON signal is present on lead 260 when, and only when, the ball associated with switch 120A-1 has been removed from its associated pocket, is delivered down the alley and strikes the backstop 24 to close switch 122 or 124.

Let us assume that a bowler from team A should be bowling in the right lane R. Under these circumstances, the lead 262 at the output of flip-flop 248 will be energized. Lead 262, in turn, is connected to the input of AND circuit 243. Assuming that the ball has been removed from the ball supporting means associated with switch 120A-1, an ON signal will also be applied to AND circuit 243 through lead 264, thereby causing the AND circuit 243 to produce an output ON signal which energizes a lamp 266 indicating that the bowler should be bowling in the right lane. At the same time, the output ON signal from AND circuit 243 is applied through lead 267 to an OR circuit 268 which will produce an output ON signal on lead 234R whenever an N signal is on any of its input leads. Therefore, with an 0N signal on lead 267, an ON signal will also be present on lead 234R to actuate switch 224R (FIG. 9A) and connect the right master circuit 200R to the right storage and print unit 211R. This, then, is the manner in which a signal is produced on lead 234R indicating that the bowler from team A is bowling on alley R.

When the ball associated with switch 120A-1 is deposited in its ball supporting means, the stable states of flip-flop 248 will be reversed, thereby producing an output ON signal on lead 272. Lead 272 is connected to the input of AND circuit 241 together with an ON signal on lead 264 when the ball is removed from the ball supporting means associated with switch 120A-1. Consequently, an ON signal will appear at the output of AND circuit 241 to energize the lamp 274 which indicates that the bowler should now be bowling in the left lane L. At the same time, the output of AND circuit 241 is connected through lead 276 to the OR circuit 278. Consequently, an ON signal will now be produced on lead 236R indicating that a bowler from the team A is now bowling in the left alley L, the result being that the left master circuit 200L is now connected through switch 228L to the right storage and print unit 211R.

The circuits associated with the other switches 120A-2 to 120A-5 are also connected to the OR circuits 268 and 278; and since the lane flip-flops 248 reverse states each time a switch 120A1 to 120A5 is actuated, the lamp 266 or 274 associated with that switch will be actuated to notify the bowler of the alley on which he should be bowling. Furthermore, the position of the bowling balls also serves to notify the bowler of the alley on which he should be bowling. At the same time the lead 234R or 236R will have an ON signal thereon to connect the players storage unit to the proper master circuit 2001. or 200R. As will be appreciated, the left computer-selector 232L operates in the same manner.

At this point it is necessary to explain how the ball supporting means 40 is tilted toward either of the alleys L or R. To this end, reference is directed to FIGS. 3, 6, 9B and 11. Assuming now that the first bowler of team A is to bowl on alley R, meaning that lead 262 is energized and that the ball supporting means 40 is tilted toward the right alley R. When the bowler picks up his ball, the ball supporting means 40 will begin to pivot about the shaft 80 towards its vertical position. With the removal of the ball from the ball supporting means 40, the switch 120A-1 is closed thereby energizing leads 264 and 302 which, in turn, energizes solenoid 300 to close contacts 304. Since only lead 262 is energized, closing of the switch 304 will energize solenoid 306L which, in turn, closes contacts 308L to energize the solenoid 90A-1L. Solenoid 306L is a time-delay relay wherein closing of the contacts 308L is delayed for a length of time which is sufiicient to permit the ball supporting means 40 to pivot to its vertical position illustrated in full lines in FIG. 3 and pass beyond the vertical position, i.e., toward alley L. Upon the energization of solenoid 90A-1L, its plunger 92L will be projected into the path of the extension member 82 whereby when the ball supporting means 40 returns towards the vertical position, it will engage the plunger 92L and be stopped thereby. At the completion of the frame just bowled on alley R, the bowling ball will be returned to cup 64 associated with the ball supporting means 40 from which it was removed in the manner to be described. As hereinabove described, when the ball is deposited onto the cup 64, the ball supporting means can only tilt toward the left alley L and come to rest adjacent thereto.

It should be remembered at this time, that the switch 120A1 will be opened when engaged by the cup 64 (see FIG. 6). At this time, a pulse will appear on the lead 251 to reverse the stable states of the fiip-flo 248 so that lead 272 is now energized.

In his next turn to bowl, the first bowler of team A will bowl on alley L. He will know that he should be on alley L because his bowling ball will be visible from the alley L side of the rack 30. Remembering now the lead 272 is energized, when the ball is removed from the cup 64, the ball supporting means 40 will pivot to the vertical position and beyond this position, i.e., toward the alley R. With the removal of the ball, the switch 120A1 is closed thereby energizing the solenoid 300, through leads 264 and 302, to close the contacts 304. Since only lead 272 is energized, closing of the switch 304 will energize solenoid 306R which, in turn, closes contacts 308R to energize the solenoid A-1R. However, the closing of the contacts 308R is delayed, by virtue of the solenoid 306R being a time-delay relay, for a length of time sufficient to permit the ball supporting means 40 to pivot beyond the vertical position. Upon energization of the solenoid 90A-1R, its plunger 92R will be projected into the path of the extension member 82 whereby when the ball supporting means 40 returns towards the vertical position, it will engage the plunger 92R and be stopped thereby. At the completion of the frame just bowled on alley L, the bowling ball will be returned to the cup 64 from which it was removed. As hereinabove described, when the ball is deposited on the cup 64, the ball supporting means can only tilt toward the right alley R and come to rest adjacent thereto.

It should be remembered at this time, that the switch A-1 will be opened when engaged by the cup 64 (see FIG. 6). At this time, a pulse will appear on the lead 251 to reverse the stable states of the flip-flop 248 so that lead 262 is again energized. As can be seen, then, in league play, that is when the bowlers switch alleys at the completion of each frame, the present apparatus will automatically position the ball adjacent to the alley L or R on which the bowler will bowl next.

When the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 is employed to tilt the ball supporting means 40 toward either of the alleys L or R, the circuit illustrated in FIG. 12 is employed. Reference is now directed to FIGS. 8, 9B and 12. It must be remembered at this time, that the combined strength of the leaf spring members 88 and the spring loading of the plungers 98L and 98R (see FIG. 8) is sufficient to maintain the ball supporting means 40 in its vertical position until the cup 64 engages, for example, the switch 120A-1. At this time, one of the solenoids 96A1L or 96A-1R, for example, will receive a pulse current whereby the associated plunger 98 is retracted to start the tilt of the ball supporting means 40 toward one of the alleys L or R. With this in mind, assume that the first bowler of team A is to bowl on alley R, meaning that lead 262 is energized and that the ball supporting means 40 is tilted toward the 'right alley R. When the bowler picks up his ball, the ball supporting means 40 will tilt to its vertical position. When the bowler completes his frame, the ball will be deposited onto the cup 64 and lowered until the cup 64 engages and opens the switch 120A-1. Upon opening of the switch 120A-1, current is supplied to tthe pulse generator 253 which supplies a pulse current to the AND circuit 249 for switching the stable states of the flip-flop 248 whereby lead 272 is energized. Simultaneously, a pulse current is also applied to a solenoid 318 (FIG. 12), through lead 316, for energization of one of the solenoids 96A1L or 96A-1R by closure of switch 320. The solenoid 318 is normally retracted so that the pulse current received, by way of lead 316, will cause the solenoid 318 to momentarily extend its plunger to close switch 320 and thereofter retract its plunger. Hence, since lead 272 is now energized, the solenoid 96A-1L will, in effect, receive a pulse current and thereby apply a momentary force to and for retracting its plunger 96L. Thus, a momentary force is applied to the ball supporting means 40 for tilting it toward the left alley L. It should be evident, that upon completion of the frame bowled on the left alley L, lead 262 will be energized so that when the switch 320 is closed, the solenoid 96A1R will be momentarily energized to tilt the ball supporting means 40 toward the alley R.

It now remains to be explained how the pairs of solenoids 106A-1A and IE to 106B-5A and 5B, for example, are activated to return a ball to its original position in the rack at the completion of a frame. The activation is controlled by logic circuitry shown in the upper left-hand corner of FIG. 9A. Specifically, the logic circuitry activates the solenoids 106 to lower each bowling ball onto that ball supporting means from which it was removed. Such circuitry includes a pair of fiip-flop circuits 136L and 136R. As is known, a flip-flop circuit is essentially a multivibrator possessing two conditions of stable equilibrium. The circuit remains in one or the other of these two conditions until some action occurs which causes the conditions to reverse. The signals used for actuating the logic circuitry can be identified as ON and OFF signals. An ON signal may, for example, comprise a positive voltage; where as an OFF signal may comprise a negative voltage. The multivibrator 136L, for example, has two input terminals 138 and 140 and two output terminals 142 and 144. When an ON signal is applied to input terminal 138, an ON signal will appear at output terminal 144 while an OFF signal will appear at output terminal 142. Similarly, when an ON signal appears at input terminal 140, an ON signal will appear at output terminal 142 while an OFF signal appears at output terminal 144.

Let us assume that a ball is deposited in the branch 32 as shown in FIG. 1, thereby actuating or closing the switch 126 to apply an ON signal to input terminal 138 of flip-flop 136L. This causes an ON signal to appear at output terminal 144 which is applied through lead 146 to an AND circuit 148L. The AND circuit 148L, well known in logic circuitry, is one which will produce an ON signal at its output whenever ON signals appear at all r of its inputs. When, however, ON signals do not appear at all of the inputs to the AND circuit, the output of the AND circuit will be an OFF signal.

Also connected to the input of the AND circuit 148L by means of a lead 154 is an inverter 150L which, in turn, is connected to the output of AND circuit 148R. Assuming that the two inputs to AND circuit 148R are not ON, the output of the AND circuit 148R will be OFF. When this OFF signal is inverted in inverter 150L, an ON signal will be applied through lead 154 to AND circuit 148L.

In a somewhat similar manner, when the switch 128 closes as a ball is deposited in branch 34 shown in FIG. 1, an ON signal will be applied through lead 156 to the flipflop 136R, thereby producing an ON signal on lead 158 which is applied to the AND circuit 148R. The output of AND circuit 148R, however, will be OFF until ON signals are present on both leads 158 and 160 connected to the input of the AND circuit 148R. Lead 160 is connected through inverter 150R to the output of AND circuit 148L. With the arrangement shown, it can be seen that whenever an ON output is produced by one of the AND circuits 148L or 148R, the output of the other AND circuit must be OFF. That is, assuming that an ON signal is produced at the output of AND circuit 148L, this ON Signal will be inverted in. in 1 to pp an OFF 16 signal to lead 160, thereby disabling the AND circuit 148R. Similarly, if an ON signal is produced at the output of AND circuit 148R, this ON signal will be inverted in inverter l50L and applied through lead 154 to the input of AND circuit 148L, thereby preventing it from producing an output ON signal.

Whenever switch 126 or 128 is closed, therefore, its associated AND circuit 148L or 148R will produce an output ON signal unless the other AND circuit 1-48L or 148R has already produced an output ON signal. This, of course, will depend upon which one of the switches 126 or 128 was actuated first.

Let us assume, for example, that a ball is deposited in the branch 32 to actuate the switch 126 and that AND circuit 148R is conditioned to produce at its output an OFF signal. Under these circumstances, two ON signals will be fed to the AND circuit 148L to produce an ON signal at its output. Let us assume further that immediately after the switch 126 is closed, a ball is deposited in the branch 34 to close switch 128, thereby producing an ON signal on lead 158. By virtue of the fact that an OFF signal is now on lead 160, the AND circuit 148R will still produce an OFF signal at its output. Flip-flop 136R, however, will remain in its stable state wherein an ON signal is on lead 158. With the condition assumed, the ball from alley L will roll down the return track 28 first, followed by the ball from alley R. When the first ball from alley L reaches the switch 130, it will close, thereby producing an ON signal which is fed to pulse generator 164. The output of pulse generator 164 is fed directly to the inputs of AND circuits 174L and 174R, and through dilferentiator and pulse forming circuits 165L and 165R to AND circuits 166L and 166R, respectively.

The operation of circuits 164, 165L and 165R can best be understood by reference to FIG. 10. The wave form A represents a pulse 167 produced when the switch closes. This pulse is applied to the input of pulse generator 164 which produces wave form B comprising a pulse 169 of relatively long length. As will be seen, this pulse persists for a time sufficient to permit a ball to travel from switch 130 to the last ball storage pocket (i.e., that closest to the second ball storage area 42, FIG. 1). This pulse is applied directly to the inputs of AND circuits 174L and 174R and also to the inputs of circuits L and 165R which produce short pulses 171 (wave form C in FIG. 10) at the trailing edge of pulse 169. These pulses are applied to AND circuits 166L and 166R.

Also applied to AND circuit 166R through lead is the output of AND circuit 148R which is now OFF so that the output of AND circuit 166R remains OFF and the flip-flop 136R remains in its previously-established stable state with an ON signal on lead 158.

In the case of AND circuit 166L, however, an ON signal is applied thereto through lead 172; and since an ON signal (pulse 171) is also applied to the AND circuit 166L from circuit 165L, an ON signal is produced at the output of AND circuit 166L to reverse the stable states of conduction of the multivibrator 136L, but only after the pulse 169 applied to AND circuit 174L terminates and the ball is on its assigned ball supporting means 40. When this occurs, an OFF signal appears on lead 146 to thereby cause an OFF signal to appear at the output of AND circuit 148L. This changes the signal on lead 160 from an OFF signal to an ON signal, whereby AND circuit 148R will produce an output ON signal.

The output of AND circuit 148L is applied to the AND circuit 174L along with a signal on lead 176 which is ON when a frame has been completed and the switch 132 of pin-spotter P-L is closed (FIG. 9A). Also applied to the AND circuit 174L is a signal on lead 118 which comprises pulse 169 in FIG. 10. This signal will be ON only when the limit switch 130 adjacent the ball rack 30 is actuated. In a similar manner, the output of AND circuit 148R is applied to AND circuit 174R along with a signal on ead 182 from pin-spotter P-R which is ON at 17 the completion of a frame by closure of switch 134, and a signal (pulse 169) on lead 178 which is ON when the limit switch 130 is actuated.

Whenever all three inputs to AND circuit 174L are ON, an ON input signal is produced at its output lead 186 which is applied to the AND circuits 238L and 240R. The resulting pulse has a time duration at least equal to the time required for a ball to travel from limit switch 130 to the last ball supporting means, i.e., the time duration of pulse 169. Similarly, when all of the signals on the input leads to AND circuit 174R are ON, an ON signal will appear at its output lead 188 which is applied to the AND circuits 238R and 240L.

It will be noted in FIGS. 9A and 9B, that the lead 242R, which has an ON signal thereon when a bowler from the team A delivers a ball in the right alley R, is connected to the inputs of AND circuits 279 in each of the player circuits. In a somewhat similar manner an ON signal on lead 244R, indicating that the bowler from team A is bowling on alley L, is applied to AND circuits 281. Also applied to the inputs of AND circuits 279 are the outputs of AND circuits 280. Applied to AND circuits 280 are the signals on lead 262 from flip-flops 248, the signal on each of these leads being ON when a bowler on team A associated with that particular flipflop should be bowling in the right alley R. In a similar manner, an ON signal will be applied to the input of AND circuits 282 when a bowler on team A should be bowling in the left alley L, the outputs of these circuits 282 being applied to the inputs of AND circuits 281. In order for either of the AND circuits 280 or 282 to produce an output ON signal, a second input lead to each AND circuit, namely lead 284, must have an ON signal thereon. This ON signal is produced by an active flipflop 250 when the player switch 120A-1 to 120A-5 associated with that flip-flop is actuated and after the ball for that switch has struck the backstop 24 to close switch 122 or 124.

The outputs of each of the AND circuits 282 are applied to an OR circuit 285; and, similarly, the outputs of the AND circuits 280 are applied to a second OR circuit 287. Thus, whenever any one of the AND circuits 282 produces an ON input signal indicating that a bowler has removed his ball from its ball supporting means and delivered it on the left alley L such that it strikes the backstop 24, the OR circuit 285 will also produce an output ON signal. This signal is inverted in inverter 289 and applied through lead 291 to the inputs of each of the AND circuits 247, thereby disabling these circuits (i.e., preventing them from producing output ON signals). As will be seen, this prevents the possibility of two pairs of the solenoids 106A1A and IE to 106A-5A and B being energized in the event that the second bowler scheduled to bowl on the left alley removes his ball from its pocket before the previous bowler has completed a frame. This situation will usually occur, for example, when one bowler has completed a frame on the left lane and the next bowler on the left lane picks up his ball prior to the time that the first bowlers ball is deposited on its ball supporting means.

Similarly, an output ON signal from OR circuit 287, indicating that a bowler from team A is bowling in the right alley R will be inverted in inverter 293 and applied to the inputs of AND circuits 245 to disable them. This prevents energization of the pairs of solenoids 106A1A and 1B to 106A-5A and 5B for any other bowler from team A scheduled to bowl on the right alley R until the previous bowlers ball is deposited in its ball supporting means.

It should be noted, however, that the foregoing arrangement does not prevent simultaneous bowling by two bowlers from the same team on different alleys. That is, the AND circuit 245 is for the right alley and AND circuit 247 is for the left alley. These AND circuits are dis- 18 abled only when the balls of two bowlers scheduled to bowl on the same alley are removed simultaneously.

Let us assume that the ball is removed from the ball supporting means associated with switch 120A-1. Under these circumstances, an ON signal on lead 264 will be applied to the two AND circluits 288 and 290. Also connected to the input of AND circuit 288 is the output of AND circuit 245. Similiarly, the output of AND circuit 247 is applied to AND circuit 290. The AND circuit 245 will produce an output ON signal when the bowler should be bowling in the right lane, indicated by an ON signal on lead 262; when a ball is detected in the right lane by closure of switch 124, thereby producing an ON signal on lead 292; and when no other bowler from team A is already bowling on the alley R. Similarly, the AND circuit 247 will produce an output ON signal when the bowler from team A should be bowling in the alley L; when an ON signal is on lead 272 together with an ON signal on lead 294 produced by closure of the left switch 122; and when no other bowler from team A is already bowling on the alley L. Thus, AND circuit 288 will produce an output ON signal when a ball from team A is delivered on the alley; whereas AND circuit 290 will produce an output ON signal when a ball from team A is delivered on the alley L. In either case, the output of AND circuit 288 or 290 will actuate the flip-flop 250 to produce an output ON signal on lead 284. The active flip-flop 250 is reset by means of an AND circuit 296 which produces an output ON signal when an ON signal is on lead 284 and when a ball is again deposited in its associated ball supporting means to produce an ON signal on lead 251.

Thus, AND circuit 280 will produce an output ON signal when a ball from team A is delivered down the alley R and strikes the backstop; whereas AND circuit 282 will produce an ON signal when a ball from team A is delivered down the alley L and strikes the backstop. In either case, the outputs of AND circuits 280 and 282 are applied to the inputs of AND circuits 279 and 281, respectively. AND circuit 279 will not produce an output ON signal, however, until the frame is completed on alley R when an ON signal appears on lead 242R. Similarly, AND circuit 281 will not produce an output ON signal until the frame is completed on alley L as indicated by an ON signal on lead 244R.

The outputs of AND circuits 281 and 279 are applied to an OR circuit 279 which, through amplifier 299, actuates the appropriate pair of solenoids 106A-1A and IE to 106A5A and 5B. Thus, a ball will always be returned to its proper ball supporting means regardless of which alley it is delivered on. The left computer-selector 232L as shown in FIG. 9A operates in the same manner as the right unit just described.

If league play is not employed with the circuit of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the switch 298 (FIG. 9B) may be opened such that the lane flip-flops 248 will always produce an ON signal on lead 262 to insure that the right scoring circuitry is always connected to the right pinfall detector and master circuit.

When the switch 298 is opened, lead 310 (FIG. 9B) is energized which, in turn, energizes solenoid 312 to operate switch 314 to open the contacts of leads 262, 272 and 302 and to close the contacts on lead 322. As can be seen, the solenoids 306R and A-1R will be energized throughout the bowling game. Since, the plunger 92R is always in the path of the extension member 82 of the ball supporting means 40, the ball supporting means can only occupy two positions, namely, in its vertical position for the reception of a ball from the rack 30 and adjacent to the alley R. Similarly, in the ball supporting means 40 for team B, the plungers 92L associated with the solenoids 90B-1L to SL are always in the path of the extension members 82. Hence, these ball supporting means can only occupy two positions, namely, in its vertical position for the reception of a ball from the rack 30 and adjacent to the alley R.

When the alternative embodiment of FIG. 8 is employed, the operation of the circuit illustrated in FIG. 12 is identical regardless of whether the league play switch 298 is opened (non-league play) or closed (league play).

With the system shown herein, it is, of course, necessary that a ball be placed in each of the ball supporting means at the beginning of a game to insure that only one of the switches 120A-1 to 120A-5, for example, is closed at any one time. When less than five bowlers are bowling on an alley, switches, not shown herein may be employed to disconnect appropriate ones of the switches 120A1 to 120A-5 or 120B-1 to 120B5. Such a switch may, for example, be part of the selector switch shown in the aforesaid copending application Ser. No. 175,865, filed Feb. 9, 1962. As will be seen by reference to that application, the selector switch must be turned to the proper number of players bowling on a lane. This switch can also be used to connect the proper number of switches 120 into the circuitry.

Lock-down devices for the cups 64, not shown herein, may be provided to prevent the cups 64 from elevating and actuating its associated switch 120 when a bowler removes his ball from its storage pocket at any time other than in preparation for bowling a frame in a game. Such a lock-down device is, of course, well within the skill of the art and can be employed for the purpose of preventing actuation of a limit switch at the improper time.

Although the invention has been shown in connection with a certain specific embodiment, it will be readily ap parent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and arrangement of parts may be made to suit requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim as our invention:

1. In combination with a bowling alley, ball return track means; a plurality of releasable track sections at the forward end of said track means, one for each ball used in a bowling game, said releasable track sections being adapted to direct a ball along a substantially vertical path from a position on said track means to a position beneath said track means; a plurality of ball supporting means, one each disposed beneath each of said releasable track sections and mounted for movement in a direction transverse to the length of said track means; means for maintaining each of said ball supporting means substantially vertical for reception of a bowling ball from said track means; means for causing movement of said ball supporting means whereby it carries the bowling ball thereon to a position along one side of said track means; and selectively operable means for energizing said last recited means.

2. In combination with a pair of adjacent bowling alleys; a ball return track means for both of said bowling alleys; ball lowering means, one each for each ball used in a bowling game, at the forward end of said track means for lowering a bowling ball along a substantially vertical path from a position on said track means to a position beneath said track means; a row of ball supporting means, one each disposed beneath each of said ball lowering means, each of said ball supporting means being mounted for movement towards either of said bowling alleys; means for causing the movement of said ball supporting means towards either of said bowling alleys; and electrical circuit means controlling the actuation of said last-mentioned means whereby said ball supporting means is moved alternately towards one of said alleys and then towards the other of said alleys.

3. In combination with a pair of adjacent bowling alleys, a ball return track means for both of said bowling alleys, a row of ball supporting means each mounted for movement towards either of said bowling alleys; means for returning a bowling ball along said track means to a predetermined one of said ball supporting means; switch means mounted on each of said ball supporting means, said switch means being closed upon the removal of a ball from said ball supporting means; electrical circuit means including said switch means for returning a bowling ball to a predetermined one of said ball supporting means; and solenoid means operable by said electrical circuit means for causing movement of said ball supporting means toward one of said alleys and then toward the other of said alleys.

4. In combination with a pair of adjacent bowling alleys, a ball return track means for both of said bowling alleys; ball lowering means, one each for each ball used in a bowling game, at the forward end of said track means for lowering a bowling ball along a substantially vertical path from a position on said track means to a position beneath said track means; a row of ball supporting means, one each disposed beneath each of said ball lowering means, each of said ball supporting means being mounted for movement toward either of said bowling alleys; cooperating means for maintaining the empty ones of said ball supporting means substantially vertical for receiving a ball from said track means; and selectively operable means for initiating the movement of a said ball supporting means and the bowling ball carried thereby toward a position adjacent to a preselected one of said bowling alleys.

5. In combination with a pair of adjacent bowling alleys adapted for use in league play, a ball return track means for both of said bowling alleys; ball lowering means, one each for each ball used in a game, at the forward end of said track means for lowering a bowling ball along a substantially vertical path from a position on said track means to a position beneath said track means; a row of ball supporting means, one each disposed beneath each of said ball lowering means, each of said ball supporting means being mounted for movement in a direction transverse to the length of said track means and towards either of said bowling alleys; switch means on each of said ball supporting means which is activated when a ball is removed from one of said ball supporting means, said one of said ball supporting means being disposed adjacent to one of said bowling alleys when carrying a ball; electrical circuit means including said switch means for returning said ball to said one of said ball supporting means; and means included in said electrical circuit means for moving said one of said ball supporting means adjacent to the other of said bowling alleys.

6. In combination with a bowling alley, ball return track means including a trap-door means at the forward end thereof for each ball used in a bowling game; means for releasing a selected one of said trap-door means whereby a bowling ball disposed thereon is lowered along a substantially vertical path from its position on said track means to a position beneath said track means; a ball supporting means for each of said trap-door means which is disposed beneath and biased to a substantially vertical orientation, each said ball supporting means being mounted for movement toward said bowling alley; and selectively operable means for moving a ball supporting means in response to the reception of a bowling ball to a position adjacent to said bowling alley.

7. In combination with a bowling alley, ball return track means; a plurality of ball supporting means at the forward end of said track means, one of said ball supporting means for each ball used in a bowling game, each of said ball supporting means being mounted for movement toward said bowling alley; transfer means on said track means for directing a bowling ball from said track means and onto one of said ball supporting means along a substantially vertical path; means for causing the movement of said ball supporting means toward said bowling alley; and selectively operable means for energizing said last recited means.

8. In combination with a pair of adjacent bowling alleys, ball return track means extending between said bowling alleys, a plurality of ball supporting means at the forward end of said track means, one each for each ball used in a bowling game, each of said ball supporting means being mounted for movement toward said bowling alleys; a plurality of transfer means on said track means, one each for each of said ball supporting means, for directing the bowling balls along a substantially vertical path from said track means onto said ball supporting means; means for moving said ball supporting means alternately towards one of said bowling alleys and then towards the other of said alleys; and means for selectively energizing said moving means.

9. In a bowling ball storage rack for servicing two adjacent bowling lanes, a ball return track, a linear array of ball receiving stations disposed beneath said track, each said receiving station including ball pocket means, there being one pocket means for each ball used in a game, means for selectively directing balls from the track to respective pocket means, means mounting said pocket means for movement between a first position within the linear array and equidistant from said lanes, and second alternate positions on either side of said array to locate a ball in relatively accessible pickup areas adjacent the respective lanes, and means responsive to the movement of a ball from a pocket means and while out of the pocket means for causing the directing means to direct the ball, upon its return along said track, to its respective pocket means and for moving said pocket means to locate the ball in a predetermined pickup area.

10. In a bowling ball storage rack for servicing two adjacent bowling lanes, each having means for providing an end of frame signal, a ball return track, a linear array of ball receiving stations disposed beneath said track, each said receiving station including ball pocket means, there being one pocket means for each ball used in a game, means for selectively directing balls from the track to respective pocket means, means mounting said pocket means for movement between a first position within the linear array and equidistant from said lanes, and second alternate positions on either side of said array to locate a ball in relatively accessible pickup areas adjacent the respective lanes, and means responsive to an end of frame signal and to the movement of a ball from a pocket means for causing the directing means to direct the ball, upon its return along said track, to its respective pocket means and for moving said pocket means to locate the ball in a predetermined pickup area.

11. In combination in a bowling installation, a ball return track including a plurality of successive ball releasing sections, ball support means beneath the ball releasing sections, each of said ball releasing sections including a pair of opposed track segments mounted for movement from a ball supporting position downwardly and away from each other to a ball releasing position to allow a ball to pass downwardly therebetween to the ball support means, means for holding the track segments in 'ball supporting position against the weight of a ball, and selectively operable means controlling the holding means and the track segments to lower a ball through any sec tion while supported in part by the associated track segments.

12. A combination as defined in claim 11 including selectively operable means for releasing any of the holding means, and means resiliently biasing the opposed track segments to ball supporting position with suflicient force to partially support a ball.

13. A combination as defined in claim 11 wherein the opposed track segments comprise a pair of pivoted plates.

14. A combination as defined in claim 11 wherein the ball support means comprises a plurality of ball supporting cradles, one under each ball releasing track section, each cradle including a ball supporting plunger movable between an upper ball receiving position and a lower ball discharge position and means resiliently urging the plunger upwardly to yield under the weight of a ball.

15. A combination as defined in claim 14 wherein each cradle includes at least a portion pivotable laterally to a ball discharge position.

16. In combination in a bowling installation, a ball return track including a plurality of successive ball release sections, ball support means beneath the ball release sections, each of said ball release sections including a pair of opposed pivotally mounted plates movable from a ball supporting position downwardly and away from each other to a ball release position to pass a ball therebetween to the ball support means, means resiliently urging the pivoted plates toward ball supporting positions with sufiicient force to partially support a ball, means for latching the plates in ball supporting position against the weight of a ball, and selectively operable means for releasing any of the latch means so that the plates partially support a ball while lowering it to the support means.

17. In combination, in a bowling installation, a ball return track including a plurality of successive ball release sections, ball support means beneath the ball release sections, each of the ball release sections including a pair of opposed track segments mounted for movement from a ball supporting position away from each other to a ball releasing position to pass a ball to the ball support means, means for selectively holding the track segments in ball supporting position against the weight of. a ball or releasing the track segments to pass a ball to the ball support means, said ball support means including a plurality of ball supporting cradles one under each ball release track section, means mounting at least a portion of each cradle for movement between a central ball receiving position disposed directly beneath the ball release section and a laterally disposed ball discharge position, means for moving each movable cradle portion from the ball receiving position laterally to the ball discharge position, and selectively operable means for energizing said moving means.

18. A combination as defined in claim 17 including means resiliently urging the movable ball receiving cradle portion toward the central ball receiving position.

19. In combination, in a bowling installation, a ball return track including a plurality of successive ball release sections, ball support means beneath the ball release sections, each of the ball release sections including a pair of opposed track segments mounted for movement from a ball supporting position away from each other to a ball releasing position to pass a ball to the ball support means, means for selectively holding the track segments in ball supporting position against the weight of a ball or releasing the track segments to pass to the ball support means, said ball support means including a plurality of ball supporting cradles one under each ball release track section, means mounting each cradle for movement from a central 'ball receiving position disposed beneath the ball release section to laterally disposed ball discharge positions at opposite sides of the ball receiving position, means for normally holding each ball receiving cradle in the ball receiving position, means for initiating movement of the cradle to one or the other of the ball discharge positions under the weight of a ball, and selectively operable means for energizing said last recited means.

20. In combination, in a bowling installation, a ball return track including a plurality of successive ball release sections, ball support means beneath the ball release sections, each of the ball release sections including a pair of opposed track segments mounted for movement from a ball supporting position away from each other to a ball releasing position to pass a ball to the ball support means, means for selectively holding the track segments in ball supporting position against the weight of a ball or releasing the track segments to pass to the ball support means, said ball support means including a plurality of ball supporting cradles one under each ball release track section, means mounting each cradle for movement from a central ball receiving position disposed beneath the ball release section to laterally disposed ball discharge positions at opposite sides of the ball receiving 23 position, means supporting each cradle on its mounting means for movement between an upper ball receiving position and a lower ball supporting position, and means resiliently urging the cradle to the upper position.

21. In combination, in a bowling installation, a ball return track including a plurality of successive ball release sections, ball support means beneath the ball release sections, each of the ball release sections including a pair of opposed track segments mounted for movement from a ball supporting position away from each other to a ball releasing position to pass a ball to the ball support means, means forselectively holding the track segments in ball supporting position against the weight of a ball or releasing the track segments to pass to the ball support means, said ball support means including a plurality of ball supporting cradles one under each ball release track section, means mounting each cradle for movement from a central ball receiving position disposed beneath the ball release section to laterally disposed ball discharge positions at opposite sides of the ball receiving position, means for normally holding each ball receiving cradle in 24 i the ball receiving position, means for moving the cradle to one or the other of the ball discharge positions, and selectively operable means for energizing said moving means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,280,332 4/1942 Whittle 27347 X 2,978,120 4/1961 Agnello et al. 198-205 X 3,017,184 1/1962 Gruss 27343 3,094,328 6/1963 Neville et a1. 27349 3,099,445 7/1963 Flood 27347 3,099,446 7/1963 Stegman et a1 27349 3,105,684 10/1963 Setecka 27349 3,124,355 3/1964 Mentzer et al. 27354 ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 27354 

7. IN COMBINATION WITH A BOWLING ALLEY, BALL RETURN TRACK MEANS; A PLURALITY OF BALL SUPPORTING MEANS AT THE FORWARD END OF SAID TRACK MEANS, ONE OF SAID BALL SUPPORTING MEANS FOR EACH BALL USED IN A BOWLING GAME, EACH OF SAID BALL SUPPRTING MEANS BEING MOUNTED FOR MOVEMENT TOWARD SAID BOWLING ALLEY; TRANSFER MEANS ON SAID TRACK MEANS FOR DIRECTING A BOWLING BALL FROM SAID TRACK MEANS AND ONTO ONE OF SAID BALL SUPPORTING MEANS ALONG A SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICAL PATH; MEANS FOR CAUSING THE MOVEMENT OF SAID BALL SUPPORTING MEANS TOWARD SAID BOWLING ALLEY; AND SELECTIVELY OPERABLE MEANS FOR ENERGIZING SAID LAST RECITED MEANS. 